Exploring the Interplay of Chronic Stress and Antiphospholipid Autoantibodies on Trophoblast Function and the Induction of Preeclampsia

The Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Research Group at the Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, is seeking an outstanding postdoctoral researcher interested in developing competitive applications for the next Marie Sklodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA-PF).

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions – Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA-PF)

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA-PF) are part of the Horizon Europe programme and support postdoctoral researchers in developing an original research and innovation project through international mobility.

The programme aims to strengthen researchers’ careers through excellent science, international collaboration and interdisciplinary experience, while fostering integration in both academic and non-academic environments. The MSCA-PF call is highly competitive and represents an excellent opportunity to attract international talent and support researchers in consolidating their scientific careers through an ambitious mobility-based fellowship.

The 2026 call closes on 09/09/2026 (17:00 Brussels time). For candidates applying to a European Postdoctoral Fellowship, the fellowship duration is from 12 to 24 months.

Full eligibility details: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026

Background

Preeclampsia is a severe pregnancy complication characterised by hypertension and multi‑organ dysfunction, representing a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity. Increasing evidence indicates that preeclampsia originates from defective embryo implantation and abnormal placentation during early pregnancy. Chronic psychological stress is known to disrupt neuroendocrine and immune homeostasis, while antiphospholipid autoantibodies (aPL) are strongly associated with obstetric complications, including preeclampsia.

Despite these associations, the molecular and cellular mechanisms linking chronic stress, autoimmunity, and placental dysfunction remain poorly understood. Recent advances in human trophoblast organoid models provide a unique opportunity to study early placental development and maternal–fetal interactions in a physiologically relevant system. Understanding how stress hormones and aPL synergistically impair trophoblast function is essential to uncover novel pathogenic pathways involved in preeclampsia.

Objective

The main objective of this project is to determine whether the synergistic action of chronic stress and antiphospholipid autoantibodies disrupts trophoblast function and uterine immune regulation, leading to abnormal implantation, defective placentation, and the development of preeclampsia.

Specifically, the project aims to:

1. Assess the effects of stress hormones and aPL on trophoblast and uterine NK cell function using human trophoblast organoid models.

2. Identify molecular, transcriptomic, and proteomic alterations induced by stress and autoimmunity during early placentation.

3. Validate key pathogenic mechanisms in a preclinical mouse model of stress‑ and autoimmunity‑induced preeclampsia.

Our Group

The project will be hosted by the Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Research Group at VHIR, and will be led by Francesc Miró Mur. The group has extensive expertise in autoimmune diseases, obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome, immune profiling, and translational research. The team has built large clinical cohorts, leads international collaborations, and has a strong publication record in high‑impact journals.

The group collaborates closely with clinicians and international research centres specialising in maternal–fetal medicine, placental biology, and immunology, providing a robust and interdisciplinary training environment for postdoctoral researchers.

Main responsibilities and duties:

Education and qualifications:

Required:

• Applicants must hold a PhD degree or have successfully defended their thesis before the call deadline (09/09/2026)

• Applicants must comply with the mobility rule, meaning they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work/studies) in the host country for more than 12 months during the 36 months prior to the call deadline.

Desirable:

• Background in placental biology, autoimmunity, or maternal–foetal medicine.

Experience and knowledge:

Required:

• Applicants must have a maximum of 8 years of postdoctoral research experience by the call deadline. This means candidates are generally eligible if they obtained their PhD on or after 10/09/2018 (possible extensions may apply, e.g. parental leave or long-term illness).

• Strong experience in cellular and molecular biology techniques.

• Demonstrated ability to analyse and interpret complex biological data

Desirable:

• Experience with organoid models, flow cytometry, multi‑omics approaches, or animal models.

• Scientific writing experience and interest in competitive funding applications

Deadline to apply: 31-07-2026

VHIR embraces Equality and Diversity. As reflected in our values we work toward ensuring inclusion and equal opportunity in recruitment, hiring, training, and management for all staff within the organisation, regardless of gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, age, functional diversity or ethnicity.

Information on Personal Data Protection:
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